Hannay, Rev Robert. 1972 - 1894
Perpetual Curate of Christ Church, Belfast from 1862 until late in 1870, when he was appointed Curate in Charge of St Ann’s, and elevated to Vicar of Belfast, from 1872 until his death in May 1894. Honorary Secretary of the Diocesan Synod & Council for many years. “He was recognised as an earnest and able preacher … his preaching possessed a peculiar power, for his language was at all times chaste and frequently eloquent … which never failed to hold the close attention of his hearers.” [Belfast News Letter 19th May 1894]. A memorial tablet was placed in the sanctuary of old St Ann’s church, but this was lost when the sanctuary was demolished. He married Emily Wynne, a granddaughter of Bishop James Saurin. Due to failing health he did not reside in the Parish during the last few years of his life, when many of his duties were undertaken by his curates. His son, Rev James Owen Hannay, was a well-known novelist, who wrote under the pseudonym, George Birmingham. (B.c1835-D.1894)
